Medanta Hospital, Lucknow Launches Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic Under Elder Care Programme to Address UP’s Ageing Crisis
In Lucknow alone, more than 30 lakh senior citizens live with limited access to healthcare. Medanta’s new clinic aims to close this gap through a full-time, multidisciplinary approach that prioritises preventive, physical, mental, and social care. The clinic is led by Dr. Ruchita Sharma, Dr. Sakshi Manchanda, and Dr. Ila Pandey —all Senior Consultants in Internal Medicine, along with Dr. Harsh Kaushal, Dr. Shivangi Singh, and Dr. Shipra Shukla, all Associate Consultants, who bring diverse expertise in managing complex health needs of elderly patients.
The Geriatric Clinic features Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA), coordination with specialists in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, and nutrition, alongside a 24x7 helpline. Patients are also supported by “health buddies” who provide assistance through regular follow-ups, home visits, and medication management.
“Elderly care is not just about treating illnesses—it’s about preserving dignity, independence, and improving quality of life,” said Dr. Ruchita Sharma, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Medanta Lucknow. “With holistic assessments and early interventions, we aim to manage ageing with empathy and precision.”
The medical need is reinforced by stark health statistics: 30% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, 16% live with two, and 6% with three or more. Common diseases include hypertension (32.8%), diabetes (14%), arthritis (21.4%), and dementia (7.4%), with the latter projected to affect over 17 million Indians by 2036. Most elderly patients still depend on general practitioners due to a lack of trained geriatricians. Medanta seeks to change that by offering expert-led care with access to virtual consultations and home-based services.
Infectious diseases account for one third of all deaths in people 65 years and older. Early detection is more difficult in the elderly because the typical signs and symptoms, such as fever and leukocytosis, are frequently absent. A change in mental status or decline in function may be the only presenting problem in an older patient with an infection. An estimated 90 percent of deaths resulting from pneumonia occur in people 65 years and older. Mortality resulting from influenza also occurs primarily in the elderly. Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of bacteremia in older adults.
“Through this clinic, we are not just enhancing elderly care—we are redefining it,” said Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Medical Director and Director, Urology, Robotics and Kidney Transplant, Medanta Lucknow. “We envision a future where seniors remain active, independent, and supported through coordinated, compassionate care.”
The programme also recognises the toll on caregivers. Nearly 47% of seniors are dependent on family, and 54% of caregivers report high stress, with 71% facing sleep deprivation. Medanta addresses this with caregiver counselling, home-care training, and mental wellness support.
By focusing on early detection, managing multiple conditions, empowering caregivers, and reducing emergency visits, Medanta’s Geriatric Clinic promises long-term cost-effective care and better quality of life for UP’s elderly . The clinic is now open at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, and is ready to serve with expertise, empathy, and excellence.